At number 1. is Lisbeth Salander, young, ill at ease in society, super gifted heroine of the Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson. If you are looking for kick a** female fictional character, you’ve got it: ‘There were not too many physical threats that could not be countered with a decent hammer.’ The quote is scary but irresistible.

At Number 2. I’m placing Dr Kay Scarpetta, the more mature, less impulsive, equally cerebral, forensic pathologist creation in Patricia Cornwell’s crime series, and Italian food lover. Totally inspiring. Not for the squeamish.

Number 3. takes a walk down memory lane with Scarlet O’Hara, the larger than life woman of Gone with the Wind. No need for further introductions, although I’ll have to come clean and confess to never actually having finished the book…but I did watch the film a number of times.

Number 4. It’s time for a woman in the making: Pippi Longstocking, the quirky character created by Astrid Lindgren. Resourceful, independent, optimistic and generous. I love her!Who needs to separate fantasy from reality? Although as an adult she probably would have ended up in prison. Just a hunch.

Last but not least is Nanny McPhee because children need boundaries, but they need love and inspiration too, and that’s what she gives them.

Nanny McPhee (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have you got any suggestions for fabulous, inspiring and tremendously captivating female fictional characters? As always, drop me a line.